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JOE D’S NOTEBOOK

RAM TOUGH / SAILING ONTO VANDY: Game One of the Paul Pasqualoni era got off to a strong start for UConn. It was mission accomplished with the 35-3 win over Fordham. The Huskies dominated the Rams, like they should have against an FCS team.

The hero was Lyle McCombs who filled in for an injured D.J.Shoemate and ran for 141 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will be the lightning to Shoemate’s Thunder.
The quarterbacks all did some good things. Coach Pasqualoni didn’t like the Huskies rhythm as far as getting out of the huddle and running the offense. Expect that to be a little crisper on Saturday Night in Music City.

Defensively, linebacker Jory Johnson and defensive ends Teddy Jennings and Trevardo Williams stood out. With Jesse Joseph out, it’s incumbent on Jennings to play well…And he did…Williams has become a more complete defensive end, playing the run better than he has in the past.And also props to MLB Yawin Smallwood who also had a strong game.

Obviously the Huskies take a step up in class on Saturday against Vanderbilt, which also handled an FCS team easily with their blowout of Elon. The Commodores have a new head coach, new coordinators and many of the same faces from a year ago when UConn took charge in the second half at the Rent.

The Coaches Show is again truncated by the Red Sox game. We’ll have Moe Petrus and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at 6:30 and then Paul Pasqualoni at 6:45.

And we are thrilled to have our friend and the voice of the Rock Cats, Jeff Dooley joining us as our sideline reporter on Saturday. He will fill in for Kevin, who has TV committments that night.

Don’t forget, if you have questions for Coach P, email them to me at joe.d’ambrosio@cbsradio.com